Chicken and Dumplings Recipe
The perfect combination of robust veggies, succulent chicken, and soft, pillowy dumplings in a rich, fragrant broth makes chicken and dumplings the ideal comfort dish. Warm and comforting, this traditional recipe is ideal for cold evenings or any time you need a hearty supper. A pleasant and delectable experience is always provided by chicken and dumplings, regardless of whether you cook it from scratch or employ shortcuts for a quicker version. This recipe is guaranteed to become a family favorite since it uses basic ingredients and a handmade touch.
Ingredients
For the Chicken Stew:
2 lbs boneless, skinless chicken thighs
4 cups chicken broth
2 cups carrots, sliced
2 cups celery, chopped
1 onion, finely chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon dried rosemary
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen peas (optional)
1/2 cup heavy cream
For the Dumplings:
2 cups all-purpose flour
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 cup milk
1/4 cup Olive Oil
Instructions
Preparing the Chicken Stew:
Place chicken thighs in the Crock Pot. Add chicken broth, carrots, celery, onion, garlic, thyme, rosemary, salt, and black pepper.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chicken is tender.
Shred the chicken using two forks. Add frozen peas (if using) and pour in the heavy cream. Stir well.
Crafting the Dumplings:
In a bowl, whisk together flour, baking powder, and salt for the dumplings.
Gradually add milk and olive oil, stirring until a soft dough forms.
Drop spoonfuls of the dough onto the simmering chicken stew.
Cover and cook on high for an additional 30-40 minutes until the dumplings are cooked through.
Tips & Variations for Chicken and Dumplings
Tips for the Best Chicken and Dumplings
Use Rotisserie Chicken for Convenience – Shredded rotisserie chicken speeds up the cooking process without sacrificing flavor.
Simmer, Don’t Boil – Keep the broth at a gentle simmer to prevent the chicken from drying out and to cook the dumplings evenly.
Thicken the Broth – For a creamy version, stir in a bit of heavy cream or a cornstarch slurry (mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp water).
Don’t Overmix the Dumpling Dough – Overworking the dough can make dumplings dense instead of light and fluffy.
Variations to Try
Creamy Chicken and Dumplings – Add ½ cup of heavy cream or a can of cream of chicken soup for a richer broth.
Veggie-Packed Version – Load up with carrots, peas, celery, and even mushrooms for extra flavor and nutrition.
Herbed Dumplings – Mix fresh or dried herbs like thyme, parsley, or chives into the dumpling dough for added taste.
Spicy Kick – Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for some heat.
Gluten-Free Option – Use gluten-free flour for the dumplings and ensure all ingredients are gluten-free.
Nutrition Facts:
The nutrition facts for chicken and dumplings vary based on ingredients and portion sizes. Here’s an approximate breakdown per 1 serving (about 1.5 cups):
Calories: 350-450 kcal, Protein: 25-30g, Carbohydrates: 35-45g, Fat: 12-18g, Saturated Fat: 4-6g, Fiber: 2-4g, Sodium: 600-900mg (varies based on broth and seasoning), Cholesterol: 60-90mg
For a lighter version, use skinless chicken breast, low-sodium broth, and whole wheat or gluten-free dumplings.